This week: January 23, 2026 - NBRC - TBA
Last week, our newest member, Jorge Urrutia was scheduled to give his Classification talk but unfortunately he did not make it to the meeting.
Past president Lasse Syversen and also responsible for the website agreed to be the speaker with help from Steve Vaccarezza. The two of them made a live demo of the site and explained how to use it. It turned out to be a needed session only a few of our members are using the website on a regular basis. We probably have one of the best maintained websites in Rotary and the members will benefit from making www.nbrotary.org their homepage. We should probably ask the team to come back soon for more Q&A and a more teaching.
Anne Peyer, Director of Vocational Services at Cornerstone Montgomery. It is the largest and most comprehensive mental health organization in Montgomery Coounty. They served 437 adults and 146 youth last year.
One in four adults (approximately 61.5 million Americans) experience mental illness in a given year. One in seventeen (about 13.6 million) live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder. Cornerston’s employment rate is 3-4 times the national average. About 70% of people with disabilities want to work but only 14-20% are actually working.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, so let’s take action! You can get involved. Many here have already done mock interviews and become business mentors…. The more people that know the truth about hi-ring their job seekers, the more people they can reach and help.
Our member, Barrie Friedman, can answer your questions and handle our referrals about job opportunities.
Last Week Former District Governor Andy Baum spoke on the requirements and the process for obtaining project grants from RI or the District. Fundable projects may be local, domestic or international and may involve several clubs. To become eligible for District funds a club should ordinarily have donated $50.00 per capita.
Projects are favored that promise sustainability and success, that have strong leadership and have access to the relevant expertise.
RI maintains a “terms and conditions” statement to be consul-ted by clubs requesting support. Clubs applying for funds from the District or RI should go to www.rotary.org, which contains all the information needed to apply. The tab “explore grants” is of particular interest. Applications to RI must be re-viewed and seconded by the District. The District favors direct, active involvement by a club or clubs rather than mere financial assistance.
“Global grants,” which normally exceed $30,000, support projects in which clubs abroad are active partners. It is crucial that all participating clubs be “certified” by RI, that is, be in good standing. In our club, Barry Thompson is well-informed on the application requirements.
